Witnesses say Waterville fire set by boys who lit books

WATERVILLE, Maine — Witnesses say an arson fire was set by two boys on bicycles who stopped outside a Waterville apartment building, lit two open books on fire and then tossed them onto the porch where the flames ignited a mattress.

Sgt. Timothy York of the Maine fire marshal’s office didn’t confirm the specific details, but he tells the Morning Sentinel the fire was arson and the juveniles have been identified. Their names and ages are not being released. They will likely face arson charges.

Therese Wilbur, 18, who lives next door, said the boys seemed surprised by the sudden heat from the burning books and tossed them at the front of the house. Wilbur says she alerted residents to the fire.